Notre Dame Parish

Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."

-Catechism of the Catholic Church

 

Notre Dame’s practicing Catholics may have their infants baptized at the 11:30 am Mass on the first Sunday in March, June, September and December, 12:30 pm the first Sunday of the remaining months and 12:30 pm the third Sunday of every month. If a Baptism is required at any other time, special arrangements must be made through the parish office. A priest or deacon performs baptisms.

Parents are required to attend a “Welcome Your Child” preparation meeting, held on the second Sunday of the month at 10:45 a.m. that usually last about an hour. The informational form required to establish the date of the Baptism is available either at the meeting or upon request from the parish office by mail. A certificate of eligibility from the godparents’ respective parish(es) is required stating they are practicing Catholics.

Please contact the parish office to register for your preparation meeting and your infant’s Baptism.

Reconciliation

"The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship." Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive the sacrament of Penance with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation "is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation."

-Catechism of the Catholic Church

A Confessor is available every Saturday from 4:00 to 4:45 pm.

Children in second grade attending the GIFT Religious Education Program receive First Reconciliation just prior to First Communion. Grades 3 through 8 have the opportunity of receiving Reconciliation twice a year during Advent and Lent.

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Eucharist

The Eucharist is the heart and the summit of the Church's life, for in it Christ associates his Church and all her members with his sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered once for all on the cross to his Father; by this sacrifice he pours out the graces of salvation on his Body which is the Church.

-Catechism of the Catholic Church

Children in second grade attending the GIFT Religious Education Program or Notre Dame School have an opportunity to receive First Eucharist as a class in the spring, usually the first Saturday in May. They also have an opportunity to receive First Eucharist individually if they so desire.

Notre Dame's Ministers of Care bring the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. Contact the parish office to make arrangements.

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Confirmation

Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual mark, the "character," which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness.

-Catechism of the Catholic Church

Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation. The celebration of the sacrament deepens and intensifies both the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the response of the individual and the community to those gifts.

Confirmation is given to parish high school sophomores at the conclusion of a two-year program. For more information contact the Confirmation Preparation Ministry.

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Marriage

The marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couple, as well as to the generation and education of children. Christ the Lord raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a sacrament.

-Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Parish of Notre Dame rejoices with all engaged couples as they begin the process of committing to each other for life. The Diocese of Joliet has established a requirement that engaged couples must notify the parish at least six months prior to the marriage date. Be sure to contact the parish office first to see if your chosen date can be accommodated.

The engaged couple (or their parents) must be registered parishioners. Couples are required to:

• Attend either an engaged encounter weekend ($140) or meet five evenings with a Notre Dame Parish Sponsor Couple. The meetings follow a well-prepared guidebook, which includes topics such as families of origin, communication skills, intimacy and spiritual development. The Sponsor Couple's role is to welcome the engaged couple into the parish community and witness or share, as appropriate, marital experiences with the engaged couple.
• Attend two classes on natural family planning that take place at various locations (no charge).

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Anointing of the Sick

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick has as its purpose the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age.

-Catechism of the Catholic Church

In addition to the yearly Mass of Anointing of the Sick, this sacrament is available upon request for all those who are advanced in age, ill, preparing for major surgery or in danger of death. Please call the rectory to schedule an appointment.

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